Auto body repair & detailing/bent passanger door

QuestionMy passanger door was open and i backed up and a hugh snow driff caught it and bent it way back, I could just barely shut it, but it is not shut enough for the inside light to go off. How does a person fix this door. It also has a hugh dent in it at the crease.

AnswerHi Gabby....When a door gets sprung open, the result, is that the majority of the damage, will be in the lower door hinge assembly. What actually occurs, is the lower hinge shortens up, and the door will drop down considerably at the back. There are a couple of ways to temporarily repair this, until you can get to an Autobody shop to get the crease repaired, and to see if the hinges will need replacing. The easiest method, is to take a small block of wood or a piece of 2x4, and place it on a floor jack. Open the door slightly, place the jack under the rear edge of the open door, and GENTLY raise the jack. This will stretch the lower hinge. This is a trial and error adjustment, meaning, try raising the jack an inch or two, let the jack down, and try to close the door. Most likely, you will need to repeat this process a few times, raising the jack slightly more each time, until you get the desired result. The other repair, is to adjust the lower door hinge toward the rear of the vehicle. This is also a trial and error adjustment.

Hope this helps you out....If you have any other questions or concerns, please write me back....Thanks....Dave

Expertise

Experience

Over 30 years in related areas. 25 years in HEAVY frame repair, suspension, and alignment procedures. As well as panel replacement and repairs, etc.....

Education/CredentialsJourneyman Autobody Technician with Red Seal/Interprovincial certification from N.A.I.T. in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Top Achiever award second year, also from N.A.I.T. Also have Platinum status from I-Car Canada...Also have Journeyman Partsman Certificate, Lethbridge, Alberta...